Timothy McDaniel, 55, is a truck driver who bought a winning $1 Scratcher at the College Villa Market on North Beale Road on Sunday.

McDaniel said his wife died of a heart attack Saturday and that the winning couldn't have come at a better time.

"I think she just kind of sent me this money so I could continue taking care of the (grand) kids," McDaniel said in a written statement.

McDaniel decided to take the cash option, which means he will receive a lump sum of $375,000 before taxes.

McDaniel said he hopes to buy a house and a new truck and put the rest in the bank.

"Everything happens for a reason, and this is the break I needed," McDaniel said. "I'm going to keep on working and living my life the same I always have. The only difference is I have a big family, and now if anybody needs anything, I can help them out."